On Retirement

Every retiring ‘gorment’ servant, particularly at a senior level, carries the misconception that he has substantial literary skills. So, the first thing he or she promises themselves is to pen down their experiences or write a technical treatise or a work of fiction. But first one wants to catch up with all the rest and the sleep that the last days of ‘service’ had deprived them of. The first month after retirement, particularly for a workaholic, are the most difficult. He really does not know whether to get up early and dress up for office, or to sleep the sleep of the just after a job well done.

I have seen several of my seniors, soon after their retirement, call out in the morning for their bed tea – not realising that the khalasi/peon/khansama is no longer around. The lady of the house obliges for a few days, serving the newly retired ‘sahib’ tea in bed. This soon wears off and the LOH minces no words in telling the Sahib that he had better come to grips with reality and either do without his morning ‘cuppa’ or learn how to fix it himself.

Then there are others who have an early shave and shower, dress up for office (complete with tie and coat) and then sit around wondering where to go to. For a couple of days they go to their old office on the pretext of finishing some paperwork, but are soon disheartened when they realise that they are no longer welcome there. In fact, the most pathetic sight is that of a retired ‘sahib’ wandering the corridors of his old office, peeping through doors to see if any of his erstwhile juniors is in. He pops into an office, expecting to be offered a seat and a cup of tea, but often gets short shrift. Sorry sight indeed!

The most difficult realisation that hits one right in the eyes post retirement is that now one has to settle one’s own telephone and electricity bills, apply for and obtain a ration card (to serve as one’s ‘proof of address’), buy stamps and post letters. Shopping for vegetables and grocery is another chore. Often, a major task is also driving and maintaining one’s car, particularly the washing and polishing.

Some may find these chores unpleasant and unappealing – a burden from which there is no escape. On the other hand one can think of it as a new post-retirement job. These so called chores or tasks help one pass the day, besides helping the LOH in running the house and the kitchen. I find all this running around an opportunity of meeting new people and making new friends. After three years of retirement, my best acquaintances are my car mechanic and the postman. The lady at the electricity office now greets me with a bright smile and the vegetable seller gives me a discount every time I visit him. What I like best is the way people treat me at my bank, giving me priority service – not because of my position and rank but because of my grey (rapidly turning white) hair.

Now I have time to read the newspaper in detail, try to solve the Times crossword puzzle, update my Facebook page, respond to my emails, and catch a nap in the afternoon. I have time to chat with my children and grandchildren, read books and learn how to fix cocktails. I also have the time and inclination to fix breakfast every now and then, and help my wife clean the dishes whenever our maid gives us the ditch! I have learnt to enjoy comedies on BBC and catch up with the History Channel on Tatasky. I can now recognise the Indian cricket and movie personalities and can even follow the storyline in the soaps that my wife watches every afternoon.

Retirement has brought me peace and tranquility and a greater realisation of how wonderful life is. As I saunter around my little backyard and admire the newly emerging flowers, I find that life is to be taken one sip at a time, like a good scotch – not in a gulp! Enjoy every flavour, savour every sip and appreciate how much better off you are now.

Have a great retired life!